Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Survey Of Barriers To Employment For Individuals Who Are Deaf, Robin E. Perkins-Dock Ph.D, Terrilyn R. Battle M.S., Jaleassia M. Edgerton M.S., Jaqueline N. Mcneill M.S.

JADARA

Hearing difficulty is one of the most prevalent disabilities in the United States, comprising approximately 2.1 percent (3.9 million) of American, working-age population. This disability impacts communication, educational achievement, and the social interactions resulting in significant unemployment and underemployment. The authors present a survey of barriers to employment as identified by participants who are deaf. Survey results include descriptive data related to barriers to employment, level of education, employment status, use of accommodations, and recommendations for change. A comparative analysis demonstrates the relationship between selected variables. The authors conclude with practical implications for potential stakeholders.